Education is a vital investment, but it doesn’t have to drain your finances—especially in Nigeria, where federal universities offer some of the most affordable tuition fees. In 2025, many students and parents are searching for budget-friendly options that still provide top-tier education, accredited programs, and solid career prospects.
Federal universities are funded by the Nigerian government and offer lower tuition fees than private and most state institutions. In this guide, we present the top 20 cheapest federal universities in Nigeria for 2025, based on tuition cost, availability of financial support, and accessibility.
Top 20 Federal Universities in Nigeria With the Cheapest Tuition Fees (2025)
1. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦25,000 – ₦40,000
- Notable Programs: Medicine, Law, Engineering, Social Sciences
- Why It's Affordable: Federal subsidies and a large student population make ABU one of the cheapest universities.
2. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦25,000 – ₦38,000
- Specialties: Islamic Studies, Education, Medical Sciences
- Highlights: Low cost of living in Sokoto contributes to its affordability.
3. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦27,000 – ₦40,000
- Courses: Agriculture, Social Sciences, ICT
- Advantage: A new-gen university with government backing and flexible academic structure.
4. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦28,000 – ₦45,000
- Top Courses: Medicine, Law, Education
- Note: Despite security challenges, UNIMAID continues to offer quality education at low fees.
5. Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦28,000 – ₦45,000
- Key Fields: Agriculture, Engineering
- Why It’s Cheap: Government support for agriculture-focused institutions.
6. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦30,000 – ₦50,000
- Popular Fields: Law, Business, Public Health
- Low-Cost Living: Calabar has one of the lowest living costs in the South-South.
7. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦30,000 – ₦45,000
- Best Known For: Agriculture, Biochemistry, Education
- Value Add: Focus on practical education with government financial aid.
8. University of Ibadan (UI)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦35,000 – ₦50,000
- Popular Programs: Medicine, Arts, Law, Science
- Reasonable Fees: The university provides flexible payment options and scholarship opportunities.
9. Federal University, Lafia (FULAFIA)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦35,000 – ₦48,000
- Top Courses: Physics, Biology, Business
- Perks: Strategic northern location with good academic facilities.
10. Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦35,000 – ₦50,000
- Fields of Study: Political Science, Chemistry, History
- Attraction: Affordable with rapid infrastructure growth.
11. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦35,000 – ₦50,000
- Key Areas: Engineering, Technology, ICT
- Added Value: Premium STEM education at a low cost.
12. University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦38,000 – ₦55,000
- Best Fields: Mass Comm, Sciences, Education
- Strength: Reliable academic calendar and scholarship options.
13. University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦40,000 – ₦60,000
- Courses Offered: Law, Education, Political Science
- Special Note: Close to the nation's capital, yet still affordable.
14. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦40,000 – ₦60,000
- Top Programs: Architecture, Law, Medical Sciences
- Benefits: High academic reputation with moderate fees.
15. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦45,000 – ₦65,000
- Programs: Petroleum Engineering, Industrial Chemistry
- Why Choose It: Ideal for energy-sector students at a subsidized rate.
16. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦45,000 – ₦65,000
- Top Picks: Law, Computer Science, Medicine
- Advantages: Fast academic calendar and financial aid options.
17. Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦45,000 – ₦65,000
- Specialization: Technology, Engineering, Applied Sciences
- Affordable Perks: Top-notch facilities with manageable tuition.
18. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦45,000 – ₦70,000
- Popular Fields: Law, Business, Medical Sciences
- Why It’s Worth It: Rich academic curriculum at a subsidized rate.
19. Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦48,000 – ₦72,000
- Key Programs: Mass Comm, Medicine, Sharia Law
- Affordable Features: Large student base and multiple scholarship schemes.
20. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Tuition Fee Range: ₦50,000 – ₦75,000
- Leading Fields: Pharmacy, Engineering, Arts
- Value Addition: Strong alumni network and budget-friendly options.
Factors That Make Federal Universities Affordable in Nigeria
- Government Subsidies: Federal universities receive annual funding to offset tuition costs.
- TETFund Support: Educational facilities and infrastructure are often funded, reducing students’ financial burden.
- Low Hostel and Accommodation Fees: Compared to private institutions.
- Merit and Need-Based Scholarships: Offered by the university, federal government, and international donors.
- Low-Cost Locations: Universities in smaller towns or Northern states often have a lower cost of living.
FAQs: Cheapest Federal Universities in Nigeria 2025
1. Are these tuition fees fixed or subject to change?
Most are fixed per session, but they may increase slightly depending on policy changes or inflation.
2. Do these fees include accommodation and departmental charges?
No. Accommodation and departmental dues are usually paid separately but are often also affordable.
3. Can I pay tuition in installments?
Yes, many universities now allow installment payments—check with your specific institution.
4. Do these universities offer scholarships?
Yes. Many offer institutional scholarships, and you can also apply for government or private grants.
5. Which is the absolute cheapest federal university in Nigeria?
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and UDUSOK are consistently ranked among the cheapest, with tuition starting from ₦25,000.
Conclusion
In 2025, obtaining a university degree in Nigeria doesn't have to be a financial nightmare. With the federal government’s continued support, many federal universities provide high-quality education at exceptionally low tuition rates. From Zaria to Calabar and Minna to Umudike, these institutions help students from all backgrounds access higher education affordably.
Whether you're looking for STEM courses, social sciences, or medical programs, the 20 federal universities listed aboveshould be at the top of your consideration list for budget-friendly academic success.
